Our goal is to give you the most up-to-date, accurate information about your state DMV's processes. The date you see here reflects the most recent time we've verified this information with your state DMV. When they change something, we do, too!

Verified As Of: 2/21/2018

Summary: How to Register Your Car in Arizona

Vehicle registration in Arizona MUST be completed in person at your local MVD office. You will need to submit your vehicle title, a
completed application form, and proof of ID, as well as pay the required fee. You can obtain a temporary registration if you need extra time to gather your vehicle paperwork in order to register it. If you live in Phoenix or Tucson, you will also be required to pass an emissions test.

The information on this page helps ease you through Arizona's vehicle registration process. If you're already driving a registered vehicle in Arizona and need renewal information, visit our
Registration Renewal page for the full scoop.

Registration processes for other vehicle types, such as ATVs, custom-built cars, and RVs or motor homes, can be found at our page on Other Vehicle Registrations.

New to Arizona?

State law requires that you register your vehicle with the Arizona
Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) immediately after establishing residency.

Residency in AZ is more than just having an Arizona address. The state considers you a resident if any one of the following situations applies to you:

Registering a Vehicle in Arizona

The Arizona
Motor Vehicle Division requires you to register your vehicle in person at a branch office. If you purchase your vehicle from a dealership, in most instances the dealer will submit your vehicle registration documents for you. Be sure to confirm to avoid any confusion.

Arizona Restricted Use Permit

Any newly purchased vehicle – new or used – must be registered before it can be driven. To drive it for an emissions test, vehicle inspection, or to the MVD to register it, you may apply for a
restricted use 3-day permit. You can do this online, provided you have a printer, by visiting the ServiceArizona website. The fee for a 3-day permit is $1.

Note: Even if the seller inadvertently leaves the plates on the vehicle, you cannot drive it until it's registered under your name. Should this occur, surrender the plates to any
MVD office.

Steps to Register

You may only register your vehicle
in person at an MVD branch. Before visiting the MVD to register your car, make sure to have in your possession:

Proof of car insurance.

An emissions compliance form, if you reside in the Tucson or Phoenix areas.

This will be provided by the inspection station upon passing.

Most vehicles 5 years old or newer are exempt. To learn more about exemptions, fees, and the testing process, visit our Smog & Emission Checks page.

Arizona's MVD conveniently allows you to
register and title your vehicle simultaneously. For detailed information on titling, jump over to our Title Transfers page.

NOTE: If you plan to transfer the license plates credit from another vehicle to a new vehicle you must do so within 30 days . Learn more under the “Selling" section on our Title Transfers page.

Temporary AZ Vehicle Registration

If you do not have all of the required documentation listed above to register your vehicle, you will need to apply for a temporary registration valid for 90 days . This certificate will give you time to drive while gathering the necessary documents to obtain a permanent vehicle registration certificate.

The temporary registration, valid for 90 days , is $15. After you submit all other required documents, your registration fees and taxes will be backdated to the date you acquired your temporary registration, and you will be responsible for full payment.

Military Vehicle Registration in Arizona

Arizona Military Residents

Military members who are residents of Arizona should follow the same steps listed above for vehicle registration.

Non-Resident Military Stationed in Arizona

You are
not required to register your vehicle with the MVD if you're an out-of-state military resident stationed in Arizona. However, you may need to comply with the state's emissions laws, depending on your location and/or situation. Check with your company commander for more information.

If you decide to establish residency in Arizona, you'll need to apply for an Arizona car registration certificate. This requires visiting an AZ MVD office with the same documents described above under our “
New to Arizona?" section above.

You may also be
exempt from paying the vehicle license tax of your registration fees. Along with the documents mentioned above, you should also provide a Special Military Exemption Affidavit, (Form 96-0240) signed by your commanding officer.

If you're deployed overseas and your spouse remains in AZ, the vehicle license tax will still apply, provided your name is listed on the car's title.

Arizona Registration Fees

The Arizona MVD charges both
registration/titling fees and a separate vehicle license tax on all registered vehicles in the state.

Registration and Titling Fees

Registration fee: $8.

Title fee: $4.

Air Quality Research fee: $1.50.

3-day permit: $1.

90 days registration fee: $15.

Arizona Vehicle License Tax

The state also charges a
vehicle license tax (VLT) at every registration and renewal. This tax is assessed for each $100 of your vehicle's value. Note that the value of your vehicle is calculated as 60% of the original manufacturer's retail price, and that total will be lowered by 16.25% at every registration renewal.

For each
$100 of the vehicle's value, you will be assessed:

New vehicles: $2.80.

Used vehicles: $2.89.

Alternative Fuel Vehicle: $4.

Please note that if you are registering your vehicle for
2 years or 5 years, you will be responsible for paying the total tax amount for all years you are registering for.

All MVD offices accept checks, money orders or cash. Some offices may accept credit cards. Call before visiting to make sure.

Arizona Vehicle Inspections

Emission tests are required for residents of Phoenix and Tucson. The inspection station will send your test results electronically to the MVD. If you do not have the title for your vehicle, you'll also need to have a VIN inspection performed. This can usually be done the same day at an MVD full-service station.

AZ License Plates

When you register your vehicle, the
Motor Vehicle Division will issue you a license plate before you leave to attach to your car. In addition to the standard license plates available, the Arizona MVD also offers a wide variety of specialized license plates for an additional cost.

Replace Lost or Stolen AZ License Plate

Should you lose your AZ license plates, you'll need to replace them immediately. You may do so either
in person or by mail.

NOTE: Notify the police if you suspect your plate was stolen.

In-Person Replacement

Visit any MVD office with:

One form of identification (driver's license, ID card).

Either the license plate number or vehicle identification number (VIN).

Payment to cover the $5 replacement fee.

If it's a standard plate and it is in stock, you should receive it before you leave. If you've requested a specialized license plate, the MVD will mail it to you.

Replace by Mail

If you need a duplicate license plate, you may apply by mail by submitting: